Serhii Sternenko summarized the main events of 2025 and outlined the major challenges facing Ukraine in 2026 in his address. He described 2025 as the most difficult period of the Russian-Ukrainian war, marked by intensified airstrikes from Russia and growing attacks on Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
The year's key achievements, in Sternenko’s view, included the development of Ukrainian interceptor drones, the “Web” operation that severely damaged Russia’s strategic air fleet, and a record number of strikes on targets in the Russian Federation. However, alongside positive trends, major problems emerged—scandals around Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions, domestic trust crises, and worsening economic conditions.
Sternenko emphasized continued support for the Ukrainian army via charitable funds and highlighted the necessity of broad reforms in the military and economic spheres. He stressed that Ukraine’s path to victory lies in comprehensive military reform, economic resilience, and systematically eroding Russia’s economic capacity, especially through strikes against Russian export infrastructure.
Sternenko also focused on the complex international landscape: reduced U.S. support, Europe’s gradual militarization, mounting threats from China, Iran, and North Korea, and the importance of unity in Ukrainian society.
In summary, according to Sternenko, 2026 may be decisive for Ukraine—only systemic change, rejection of illusions of a quick peace, and the mobilization of resources offer a realistic chance to turn the tide of war and secure future victory.
